100th Grey Cup Welcomes Federal Support for a National Cultural Celebration in 2012

TORONTO - (June 6, 2011) - Organizers of the 100th Grey Cup in 2012 are welcoming news that today's federal budget pledges significant support for a national celebration of a true Canadian cultural icon.

"Nothing brings Canadians together like the Grey Cup game and accompanying festival, and the occasion of the 100th Grey Cup game provides all Canadians with an opportunity to celebrate something that is distinctly and powerfully ours," said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League.

"We are very grateful to the federal government for enabling us to stage a national celebration that will include a special Grey Cup tour that will touch Canadians across the country before culminating with a tremendous festival in Toronto and the big game itself."

Chris Rudge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the 100th Grey Cup festival in Toronto, thanked Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and his colleagues for recognizing that the Grey Cup is part of the cultural fabric of our country.

"The Grey Cup is more than Canada's largest single sporting event. It's also our biggest cultural festival, part of our history and heritage and something we all can rally around as Canadians," said Rudge, former Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

"Our slogan is an Invitation to Our Nation because we plan to welcome Canadians from every part of the country, and in all their diversity. We will celebrate the great game of Canadian football, of course, but we want the 100th Grey Cup to transcend sport, much as the Vancouver Olympics lifted us all up as Canadians."

Just last week, Rudge unveiled preliminary plans for a bigger and broader Grey Cup festival in 2012, including a film festival, a family zone, a street festival and concerts, in addition to the traditional Grey Cup parties.

"We are looking forward to celebrating in an historic way the bond between the Grey Cup and Canadians, and the proud history and bright future they share," Cohon said.

More details on the plan for the 100th Grey Cup game, including unique pre-game and half-time entertainment, the 100th Grey Cup festival in Toronto, and the national Grey Cup tour that will precede the festival, will be announced in the months ahead.